Support for Tougher Iraq Options Begins to Grow

Jan. 28 The screws were tightened on Iraq on Tuesday as Russia, for the first time, suggested it might back a war if Baghdad fails to cooperate with U.N. inspectors. Russian leader Vladimir Putin said he might support different, tougher options as the United States agreed to disclose intelligence information about Iraqs weapons program and alleged links between Saddam Husseins regime and al-Qaida.

Let's assume France and Germany get onboard with a plan to use military action against Iraq.

Would such support by these countries mean that we wait even longer as these countries get their military forces in place before attacking?

It has taken us months to get our military in the position it now enjoys in preparation for a potential attack on Iraq. Would we have to sit on our hands waiting for the late arrivals of a potential UN coalition?

I kind of sense that it would and if this were the case it leaves yet another extended window of time for Saddam to continue about his merry way.

I don't think anyone will be contributing much in the way of additional combat power beyond the US, UK, and probably Oz. The other things we need from our allies are overflight and staging rights, as well as their participation in establishing some sort of end game for transition from the Hussein regime. I'm not sure what all of this will entail, but the more help, the better.

I doubt very much Germany will come on board, since it would be political suicide for Schroeder, but France will likely come along for the ride. They might even send their 6th Infantry Division too.

I wish they would just do it and get it over with. This back and forth, hemming and hawing is makin' me crazy. And I can imagine what it's doing to our troops over there.

I was laughing today 'cause I was reading that Iraq is slated to head the disarmament committe at the UN in May. Seems it's "their turn" via rotation. Well, I guess it will be fitting... they can tell the other countries what not to do..